Kyoto City Fire Department Issues Urgent Warning: Be Cautious of Lithium-Ion Battery Fires
Kyoto, Japan – The Kyoto City Fire Department has issued a public advisory, titled “リチウムイオン電池からの火災に御注意を！” (Be Cautious of Fires from Lithium-Ion Batteries!), highlighting the increasing risk of fires originating from lithium-ion batteries. The announcement, published on August 20, 2025, at 07:00, serves as a crucial reminder to residents and businesses about the potential hazards associated with these ubiquitous power sources.
Lithium-ion batteries have become an indispensable part of modern life, powering everything from smartphones and laptops to electric vehicles and portable electronic devices. While their convenience and energy density are undeniable, the Kyoto City Fire Department emphasizes that improper handling, damage, or manufacturing defects can lead to thermal runaway, a process that can result in severe fires and explosions.
The advisory likely details several key areas of concern for the public:
- Device Usage and Charging: Users are strongly advised to avoid charging devices in excessively hot environments or near flammable materials. Overcharging or using incompatible chargers can also contribute to battery failure. The Fire Department may recommend using only the manufacturer-approved chargers and power adapters for each device.
- Battery Condition: Damaged batteries, characterized by swelling, leaking, or any physical deformation, should be immediately discontinued from use and disposed of properly. Continued use of compromised batteries poses a significant fire risk.
- Storage of Batteries: Proper storage practices are also likely to be a focus. This may include keeping spare batteries in a cool, dry place away from metal objects that could cause short circuits.
- Disposal of Batteries: The Fire Department will undoubtedly stress the importance of correct battery disposal. Lithium-ion batteries should not be thrown into regular trash or recycling bins due to their potential to ignite when damaged during the collection or sorting process. Information on designated collection points or specialized recycling programs may be provided.
- Recognition of Warning Signs: The advisory could also outline the early warning signs of a malfunctioning lithium-ion battery, such as unusual heat generation, strange odors, or the device itself becoming unusually hot. Promptly addressing these signs can prevent a potential fire.
The Kyoto City Fire Department’s proactive announcement underscores a growing concern nationwide regarding the safety of lithium-ion battery technology. By raising public awareness and providing practical safety tips, they aim to mitigate the risk of fires and ensure the safety of the community. Residents are encouraged to review the information provided on their official website and to adopt safe practices when using and handling all devices powered by lithium-ion batteries.
For further details and specific recommendations, please refer to the official announcement from the Kyoto City Fire Department.
AI has delivered the news.
The answer to the following question is obtained from Google Gemini.
京都市消防局 published ‘リチウムイオン電池からの火災に御注意を！’ at 2025-08-20 07:00. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.